Cedar Hill running back Ben Malena totaled over 2,000 yards and averaged nearly 25 carries per game in helping lead Cedar Hill to the Class 5A state semifinals last season. He fits the definition of what a workhorse running back should be as he is capable of putting a team's running game on his shoulders and wearing a defense down.

However, ironically enough, the 5-foot-9, 201-pound Malena has been a spectator for most of what is still a young 2009 season. Malena and Cedar Hill opened against rival DeSoto on national television last month, and Malena was off to a good start with a touchdown run early in the game when he sprained his right ankle. He missed the rest of the game and also missed Cedar Hill's next two games against Wichita Falls Rider and Euless Trinity.

But all the while, Malena was itching to get back onto the field. He finally made it back this week for Cedar Hill's 47-39 win over Arlington Martin, a game in which he proved once again that no else can carry the load quite like Malena can. He rushed 26 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns and also caught two passes for 41 more.